Immigration reform continues to be a heated debate in the United States, but one foreign officer made millions off simplifying the process, ABC reported.

Michael Sestak, who was stationed in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, “admitted [that] he rubber-stamped nearly 500 visitor visas to the United States,” the source explains. This six-person operation occurred between 2010 and 2012, and Vietnamese applicants paid about $70,000 per form.

“This Foreign Service Officer corrupted the integrity of a process designed to screen visitors to the United States, a process that obviously has implications for our national security,” U.S. Attorney Ron Machen said in a statement. “His motivation for betraying his oath of office was cold, hard cash.”

Although Sestak wasn’t alone, he raked in about one-third of the $9.7 million pooled from the program. After laundering money through China and Thailand, he purchased nine properties. Sestak and co-conspirators advertised this service through the internet, helping applicants answer in-person interviews with sample questions as well as write specific answers on their applications.

Because of Setstak’s position at the U.S. Embassy, word may have gotten around that his operation was more effective than other similar bribery rings.

One co-conspirator, who remained anonymous, told the source that Setstak was a “really connection to have” because “he’s the guy that approves visas for Vietnamese people.” Ultimately, Setstak was the one who sealed the deal for individuals who wanted to go to the U.S.

However, one confidential person did a people search on these conspirators and sent a letter to the U.S. consulate in Ho Chi Minh City with photographs of everyone who was involved. This investigation eventually led to the arrest of Setstak and three others, though the final participant remains at large.

It may be tempting to collaborate with professionals who may have access to many resources, but their actions could be breaking the law. Use a Radaris Professional Reviews to identify if colleagues have a murky track record.